I have been offered a clean steel-rim Summilux 35 at about three times what the ASPH FLE costs. I shoot mostly at f/2 to f/4 in the street. Is the glow at f/1.4 really what people pay for, or is it the look at mid apertures too? Two frames from a loaner below.
At f/2.8 and smaller it is a very good 35 and nothing more; the FLE is sharper across the frame. What you are paying for is f/1.4 to f/2 in mixed light, and the size. If 80% of your frames are at f/2.8 the FLE is the better buy.
↩ Ren Takahashi · #2What you are paying for is f/1.4 to f/2 in mixed light, and the size.
Agreed on size. Mine lives on an M6 with the 12504 hood and it is the smallest fast 35 that still focuses to 0.7 m on a rangefinder. Check the focus ring for stiffness on the one you are offered; the helicoid grease on these is often original.
Could you post one at f/1.4 against a light source? That is where mine flares in a way I either love or hate depending on the day.
